Monday, 14 April 2014

Anaplasmosis is an infectious disease that is caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum , which lives in the gut of a particular type of ticks ( Ixodes ricinus ). The parasites are reservoirs of infection and transmit it during the sting necessary to fulfill their blood meal.

These ticks have their natural habitat in the forests and in rural areas, with great ability to attack different animal hosts, domestic and wild animals, including humans.

Once infected the dog, the bacterium settles inside the white blood cells , causing progressive damage in animals such as chronic pain in the limbs and, in rare cases, neurological disorders. Some dogs also develop permanent damage to the kidneys and intestines.

Anaplasmosis occurs suddenly , after about 15 days of incubation of the bacteria, with symptoms such as high fever, loss of appetite, swollen joints and reluctance to move.

The biggest problem anaplasmosis is the co-infection , the combination of this infection with other tick-borne diseases such as borreliosis (Lyme Disease), widespread. Recently, many research studies have confirmed the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum on the whole national territory, both in domestic animals and in the wild.

Because the disease develops silently and suddenly manifested symptoms is important to perform a control test every year at the vet in order to verify if the animal has been infected. Just a single blood test: the test with the SNAP ® results will be ready in just eight minutes.

What is it and how to cure Anaplasmosis Anaplasma in Dog

Cause The tick of the woods (Ixodes ricinus) carrying the bacteria and stings dogs, spreading the infection.Infection silent

• High fever • Lethargy • Decrease in appetite or anorexia • Swelling and extreme pain in the joints • Sometimes diarrhea and vomitingProgression of the disease if left untreated

Treatment Specific antibiotic therapy and collateral. Ask your veterinarian.Prognosis If identified and treated early, the outcome is generally very good and there is a complete disappearance of symptoms.Vaccination Not available.Other forms of prevention Use of topical repellents and other prescribed by your veterinarian, inspection and removal of ticks daily.